Nerouj Empowering Youth to Achieve Goals

“I was born and raised in an oppressive Soviet regime so I always wanted to change the world,” said Amy, who noted that she regularly sought guidance from her mentors. “I discovered that my way of helping people was through public service.”

For Qasabian, her dreams materialized when she picked up a camera at the age of 10 and started making short films. “At a young age I discovered I enjoyed entertaining those around me,” she said.

A catalyst in the workplace, Keuroghlian said he pushes those around him to always aim higher. “I want to make every single person who comes into my world the wealthiest they can be, whether in terms of emotional or financial success,” he said.

Touching upon the theme of an evolving world, Aposhian spoke of finding his niche in the digital age.

“I want to impact people and be the leader who guides and motivates his team,” he said.

R-Mean, who earned a doctorate in pharmacy but turned to his passion of rapping full-time, said he appreciates waking up each day and pursuing music.

“Anyone who has a creative side can understand how rewarding it is to the point of it becoming an obsession,” he said, while highlighting the importance of continuing education in order to reach the pinnacle of success.

“Never stop learning,” said R-Mean. “Keep learning in whatever field you are in and stay ahead of the curve.”

Speaking on the evident changes in society, the panelists said they have noticed that their counterparts are more aware of their surroundings.

“Social responsibility is bigger than ever,” said Qasabian. “The world is more in tune with what is going on.”

The trend that has been most clear to Amy is diversity in the workforce, “a very positive change” that now represents more women and minorities.

The panelists also spoke of practical skills such as planning and improvising in the office as well as adapting to different professional environments and technological changes.

“Technology gives us such an advantage,” said Keuroghlian. “Instead of being afraid of it, people need to learn it so they can welcome the opportunity to disrupt the industry.”

Turning the conversation to their cultural heritage, Ghazarian inquired how being Armenian has affected the panelists in their work and how they partake in advancing the homeland.

“What are you doing to empower Armenia, Artsakh and its people?” she asked. “How do you make it real and not just symbolic?”

In response, Ashvanian said she pursues her work for the next generation so “they have human rights and can understand laws and procedures.”

“Each one of us contributes what we can to make this world a better place,” she said. “I grew up in a society where I wasn’t allowed to ask questions so I want to help others express themselves.”

Discussing individual power and how to maneuver it into a collective entity, Ghazarian posed the question of how the panelists tackle the basic social needs of the community.

“It’s important to have the knowledge and know what is going on,” said Aposhian. “It is the responsibility of those in the community to inform business leaders, filmmakers, musicians and tell them to take part and be helpful.”

Pertaining to the concept of “Armenianness” and how it affects their daily work, Natalie said that it is time to change the way society thinks of Armenians and that more should be done to attract attention.

“It’s about us making noise and people recognizing us,” she said.

“Hip hop is the voice of struggle and I wanted to tell the story of my people,” said R-Mean. A song of his, Open Wounds, started a movement to prevent social injustice and he parlayed it into a popular non-profit venture alongside his music career.

At the conclusion of the panel, Vartanian thanked Derderian and expressed gratitude for his support of Nerouj’s mission. “He has shown us that the doors of the Diocese are open not only for practicing our faith but planning and structuring a better future for the Armenian community.”

Derderian remarked that it was an “enlightening and educational” panel and explored the meaning of the organization’s name.

“Nerouj means inner strength,” said Derderian, who emphasized to the participants the significance of being mindful of their inner selves. “Understanding who you are sets the tone for the path of your life.”

He urged the individuals in attendance to have a vision and passion for their futures and to learn from both the structured nature of school but to also educate themselves through others.

“The mentor and the mentee are born together and they journey together,” said Archbishop Derderian, who recounted the organic manner in which he and the late Catholicos of All Armenians Vazken I, established a mentor and mentee rapport.

He thanked Vartanian, the committee members, the panelists, the moderator and the audience members, whose presence he highlighted. The attendees, in turn, gained useful insight as they widened their horizons.

“As a passionate youth committed in empowering my inner spirit with wisdom, this year’s guest panelists were not only successful in giving me the tools to witness a new perspective about life, but they also shed a light on the importance of the Armenian youth community and its connection to our motherland, Armenia,” said Delilah Shahbazian, a fashion marketing student at Woodbury University and a Nerouj committee member.

Participants connected with the thoughts and opinions of the panel members, such as Meg Chakerian, who reflected on Keuroghlian’s sentiments of the phrase “fake it until you make it,” in which he expressed that people should exert more effort so they can put their best, and most truthful, foot forward.

“This quote and his perspective stood out to me because it made me realize there is no need to fake something,” said Meg, a UCLA graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology, who is preparing to apply to medical school. “By working harder, it is possible to achieve all of your goals.”

Through the Nerouj platform, students in high school, college and those in transition have the chance to network with professionals in a myriad of fields, such as business, finance, entrepreneurship, law, entertainment, communications, medicine, academia, psychology and fashion. Stepping into the world of both Armenian and non-Armenian circles, participants are invigorated through social events, symposiums and panels such as the New Connect program. The organization also bolsters its network through collaborations with others including AGBU Young Professionals, Armenian National Committee of America Professional Network, Armenian Professional Society, and Birthright Armenia. These groups consistently work together on noteworthy projects that benefit the homeland, such as raising funds for the HALO Trust, which supports demining efforts in Artsakh as well as collecting clothing and blankets with the Armenian Relief Society to distribute to the homeless Armenians in Los Angeles.

Sarelle Janoian, a college student studying public health, acknowledged the unique aspects and objectives of Nerouj’s programming.

“Nerouj has opened new doors for individuals into the community and it has allowed the youth to have the opportunity to socially connect with all kinds of professionals and to receive fresh perspectives and views,” she said.

Nerouj fosters a strong and nurturing environment for its participants, who have a consistent place to turn to when seeking professional guidance, all within the aura of the Western Diocese, which serves as a serene setting for many of its events, while embracing the Armenian youth.

“I had a great time meeting people and learning powerful information,” said Jack Janoian, a student at Burbank High School.

The panel, and the greater scope of Nerouj, serves as an inspiring outlet for students to establish professional connections while remaining involved in their culture through the lens of the Armenian Church, which recognizes the influence of the next generation.

“Rarely do you see a gathering where the vast majority in attendance are the youth and this is exactly what we want to see in the life of the Los Angeles Armenian community,” said Derderian. “The drops create rivers and oceans.”

For more information and upcoming events visit nerouj.com, email info@nerouj.com.